(January 22, 2009 Stillwater, OK) – Dr. Gwen Jankowski, a 2008 OSU College of Veterinary Medicine graduate, was recently selected for the Chicago Zoo and Aquatic Animal Residency (CZAAR), a prestigious residency approved by the American College of Zoological Medicine (ACZM) and supervised by two of its Diplomates.

Jankowski currently serves as the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine Bird, Zoo and Exotic Animal Intern in Baton Rouge, La. She is responsible for the medical and surgical management of the exotic pets and the wildlife presented to this veterinary school. Her position also requires her to live at the Baton Rouge Zoo where she is available to see emergency cases during the weekend.

“The CZAAR residency is a three year program and the next step in my advanced training,” explains Jankowski. “This will prepare me to take the certification exam for the American College of Zoological Medicine. Upon passing the exam, I will be a zoological medicine specialist.”

The program is designed to integrate experiences from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, Brookfield Zoo, Lincoln Park Zoo, and John G. Shedd Aquarium. This clinical training will enable Jankowski to become competent in exotic, zoo, aquatic and wildlife medicine and provide the necessary requirements to be eligible for certification in the ACZM.

“I will rotate among Brookfield Zoo, Lincoln Park Zoo and the Shedd Aquarium, which are all located in and around Chicago, Ill.,” says Jankowski. “These world class conservation institutions offer extensive exposure to zoological and aquatic species including: mega vertebrates (rhinos, elephants), large carnivores, non-human primates, cetaceans (whales, dolphins), herptiles (reptiles and amphibians), birds, and fish.”

Under the direction of veterinary and management staff, Jankowski will gain experience in handling and immobilization, providing preventative medicine, management of sick and injured animals, as well as population health.

“We are quite proud of Gwen’s appointment,” says Dr. Michael Lorenz, professor and dean at OSU’s Center for Veterinary Health Sciences. “She was an outstanding student at Oklahoma State University and I know she will make an excellent zoo and exotic medicine veterinarian.”

In addition, residents participate in rotations with the Zoological Medicine and Surgery Service at the College of Veterinary Medicine and are encouraged to rotate through Imaging, Anesthesiology and Large Animal Surgery as well. Jankowski will also have the opportunity to complete two graduate level courses through the University of Illinois. She will be able to interact and work with the University of Illinois Zoological Pathology Program, which provides services to all three zoological institutions based in Chicago.

The Oklahoma State University Center for Veterinary Health Sciences is one of 28 veterinary colleges in the United States and is fully accredited by the Council on Education of the American Veterinary Medical Association. The center’s Boren Veterinary Medial Teaching Hospital is open to the public and provides routine and specialized care for small and large animals. It also offers 24 hour emergency care and is certified by the American Animal Hospital Association. For more information, visit www.cvhs.okstate.edu or call (405) 744-7000.

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